A couple months back when the release of Harlem Experiment was just a footnote at the bottom of some upcoming release schedule list, I contacted the label, Ropeadope, to see I could review a song off it. Not just any song, mind you, but the one listed as featuring Olu Dara on vocals, guitar and pocket trumpet. It’s been so long since my request that I almost forgot about the record but now with the release date of Oct. 20 right around the corner I’ve been given exclusive rights to premiere this track.
I’m of the camp that Olu can do no wrong. But I swear if you put him in the right setting you’ll get something truly remarkable. And this project is perfect for Olu, it’s part three in the critically acclaimed “experiment” series from Ropeadope. The deal is they choose a city and get together prominent members of that city’s music community, put them in a studio together and see what happens. Volume 1 and 2 dealt with Philly and Detroit.
Harlem, with it’s historical overtones (the Harlem Renaissance, Apollo Theater, Cotton Club, jazz, latin music), was the perfect place for round three. And Olu the perfect troubadour. He has lived there since arriving some time in the 60’s (after a stint in the army). He’s been part of several scenes including the free jazz movement of the 70’s (his contemporaries at the time were David Murray and Henry Threadgill) and the blues and r&b scene that followed. On “Walking Through Harlem” Olu accompanies his stream of conscience walk-through-town with subtle bluesy guitar and the coolest “little” trumpet solo.
Pre-order here and be one of the first 200 and receive a free copy of The Philadelphia Experiment Remixed.
Bonus track:
P.S. Yes, Olu Dara is Nas’ father. Get over it.
“Bridging the Gap” – Nas w/ Olu Dara